Being active is great for your physical health and fitness, but it can also help your mental wellbeing.
Being active makes the brain release hormones that boost energy and improve mood. These hormones are often called ‘feel-good hormones’.
Being active can also:
More about the benefits of being active
If you want to be more active, think about all kinds of physical activity of all kinds, rather than just exercises. For example, you don’t need to go to the gym or attend a formal class if that doesn’t appeal to you. Being active can just involve moving more in your daily routine.
To be more active, you could:
If you’d prefer to start doing a specific activity regularly, you could try a few until you find one that you enjoy. If it makes you happy, you’re more likely to keep it up in your daily routine.
You can use Scotland’s Service Directory to find details of health and wellbeing services in your area. This includes details of different groups that can help you be more active.
If you’re less able to get out and about, there are other ways to support your mental wellbeing. You could try:
You can also use Mind to Mind to find out more about ways to improve your mental wellbeing. This has advice on what others have found helpful when dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, sleeping problems or grief.
Last updated:
02 August 2024